Protective ear covers

ABSTRACT

An ear covering for protecting the ear against fluids entering the ear canal, chemical bums from hair treatment products, cuts or nicks from scissors or razors used by hair stylists, and bums from curling irons or hot air from overhead type hair dryers, can have a membrane shaped to enclose a human ear and an entirely elasticized opening on one side which can be expanded to insert the membrane over the ear to retain the membrane thereon. The membrane can also include a portion near the tragus of the ear having an adhesive disposed thereon for sealing the protective covering against the ear. The membrane can be larger than the ear to provide insulating space between the membrane and the skin. The membrane can be made from a generally flexible and water resistant material and can be generally permeable to sound.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/173,811, filed on Dec. 30, 1999.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention relates generally to devices for covering the ear for protection and preventing fluid or foreign particles from entering the ear canal. More particularly, the invention relates to a protective ear covering for protecting the ear from, for example heat and chemicals, and for preventing fluids and foreign particles, for example water and hair clippings, from entering into the ear canal.

[0003] Various types of prior art protective coverings for a human ear are known which can inhibit or prevent water or foreign materials from entering the ear canals. Additionally, such protective ear coverings have also been developed to protect the ears from chemicals which are commonly used, for example, during hair treatments, such as chemicals in substances for straightening or creating permanent waves in a person's hair or also creams for tinting hair.

[0004] Other types of prior art protective devices, such as ear plugs, can be objectionable because they are uncomfortable to some persons and can also be inappropriate if the ear canal is inflamed. Ear plugs can themselves become an irritant and may aggravate an ear infection. Additionally, ear plugs can reduce or eliminate the ability of the wearer to hear.

[0005] Some examples of prior art protective ear covers which can protect the ear and keep water or foreign materials from entering the ear canal are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,812,517 to Bogart et al., U.S. Pat. No 4,660,229 to P. Harris, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,831 to Y. Harris. Bogart discloses a “ear protector” for excluding “liquids, dust, or other particles from the ears.” Bogart's ear protector includes a protective covering formed with a series of spaced perforations through which is slidably threaded a curved length of flexible wire. By drawing the ends of the flexible wire together, the covering material is gathered and drawn tight around the ear in order to retain the ear covering over the ear. The covering is also provided with projecting flaps, one flap near the top of the ear and behind the ear, and the other flap positioned near the tragus of the ear. The flaps can be used for adjusting the position of the ear protector on the ear. Bogart further discloses that, to hold a pair of the ear protectors in place and to apply localized pressure to the ears through the protectors, there can be used a U-shaped spring member having pads on such end portion which can be inserted into pockets provided on the ear protectors over the tragus of the ear. This spring member applies pressure to the ear covers near the tragus of the ear in order to deflect the tragus inwardly to block the ear canal to better prevent liquids from entering into the ear canal. Yet, a problem with this type of protective ear cover is that preventing liquid or foreign materials from entering the ear canal is achieved mainly by using the spring member to push the tragus closed over the ear canal. There is no elastic or adhesive means for sealing the front part of the ear against liquids. However, using spring pressure to push on the tragus can be uncomfortable for the wearer. Moreover, this can impair the wearer's hearing ability much like an ear plug.

[0006] Harris '229 discloses “a water tight ear enclosure having a water-impervious membrane secured to flexible, inelastic strip about a portion of an opening in the membrane and an elastic strip secured to opposed ends of the flexible, inelastic strip and to the remaining portions of the opening in the membrane. The strip is formed of a thin, polymeric material in a J-shape which is adapted to be received in front of the tragus of the ear and below and behind the lobule of the ear. The elastic strip is adapted to extend around the back of the external ear and in one embodiment includes an extension extending below the ear to form a secondary seal. The flexible inelastic strip includes an adhesive for attaching the strip to the skin of the person adjacent the ear. The membrane is a flexible plastic film. The seal is established by the combination of the adhesively secured plastic strip and the inward biasing force of the elastic strip bearing upon the back of the external ear.” However, this ear cover relies entirely upon the adhesive attachment of the inelastic strip at the front part of the ear in order to keep fluid from gaining access to the ear canal. Thus, any loss of adhesion by the inelastic strip, which can occur for a variety of reasons, such as inadvertently bumping the inelastic member, or simply due to make-up, dirt or natural body oils on the skin, can greatly impair the ability of the ear cover to keep liquids out of the ear canal.

[0007] Harris '831 discloses “an ear protector is formed from a sheet of thin, flexible material such as a thermoplastic, for example polyethylene or a coated paper material, which can protect the ear from the intrusion of fluids, from chemical bums from hair treatment products, such as perms or relaxer creams, and from burns from hot irons.” The protector is provided with a narrow flap of the sheet material along rear edge and its top, both of which are curved to approximately the curvature of a human ear. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided preferably along the rear edge of the protector to hold the protector in place on the skin behind and adjacent to the ear during use. Preferably, the front edge is also provided with a strip of adhesive.” However, in Harris '831, the “disposable ear cover” has a downward extending lower portion which is open to the air below the ear lobe. Thus, it would be possible for liquid to enter up through the bottom of the ear cover if the head were tilted backwards and slightly down, as it might be when a person's hair is being washed in a conventional manner at a hair styling salon.

[0008] Additionally, Harris '831 relies entirely upon the use of adhesives to both secure the ear protector over the ear and to keep out fluids and foreign material. Thus, the disadvantages of using adhesive securement as discussed above can be even more of a problem for this device because it is the only means of securement.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a protective ear cover which can reliably cover and protect the ear against fluids entering the ear canal, chemical bums, cuts and nicks, and bums from curling irons or hot air from being situated under overhead type hair dryers for relatively long time periods.

SUMMARY

[0010] According to the invention, a protective ear cover can be made from a protective membrane formed generally in the shape of an ear and having an elasticized opening in one side which is expandable to be inserted over and retained on a human ear. The protective ear cover can protect the ear against fluids entering the ear canal; chemical bums from hair treatment products; bums from curling irons or hair dryers; and cuts or nicks from scissors or razors used by hair stylists. The entire opening is elasticized to provide the primary, resilient manner of retaining the protective ear cover over the ear. The elasticized opening can retain the protective ear cover in a substantially secure engagement over the ear in the case of any accidental dislocation, or even purposeful readjustment, of the protective cover. To enhance the ability of the protective cover to keep fluids from entering the ear canal, the protective membrane can be provided with a flap portion which can extend over the ear canal and tragus of the ear. A non-skin irritating adhesive can be disposed on the flap portion underside to adhere the flap portion to the skin to better prevent fluids from entering the ear canal. However, the flap preferably is designed such that no pressure is applied thereby to the tragus, such as to close off the ear canal. The elasticized opening can provide the ability to better adjust the ear protective cover after it is placed over the ear without substantially reducing the effectiveness of the protective ear cover with regard to either retaining it over the ear or to keeping fluids out of the ear. Even if the adhesively adhered flap were inadvertently loosened and re-adhered, it is the elasticized opening which primarily retains the protective cover on the ear, not the adhesive. Thus, a slightly less level of adherence can be tolerated without substantially impairing the effectiveness of the protective ear cover. Additionally, the protective membrane can be sized such that when the ear cover is placed over the ear, there is some amount of space provided between the protective membrane and the skin of the ear. This spacing can improve the protection for the ear in case a hot object, such as a curling iron, should come in contact with the protective membrane. Spacing the protective membrane away from the skin can prevent heat from being transferred relatively rapidly through the protective membrane material to the ear, thus providing added protection.

[0011] Other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings figures of certain embodiments thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0012] A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a human ear.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the ear in FIG. 1 showing a presently preferred embodiment of the invention disposed over the ear.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view from the back of the ear showing a presently preferred embodiment of the invention disposed over the ear.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line V-V in FIG. 2.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the interior side of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0019]FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the posterior side of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Referring now to the drawing figures, there is shown in FIG. 1 a side elevational view of the human ear 1, which is joined to the head along the curved line 2 as well as at the front of the ear. A flexible lobe 3, known as the tragus, projects rearwardly from the front of the ear 1 to about mid-way of the ear height through the passage (not shown) to the ear canal.

[0021] According to the invention, a protective ear cover 7 can be provided for enclosing the ear 1 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The protective ear covering 7 can be formed from a protective membrane 10 generally having the shape of a human ear 1. The protective membrane 10 can preferably be flexible and can have an elasticized opening 13 on one side, as best shown in FIG. 7, which can provide the primary manner of retaining the protective ear cover 7 over the ear 1, as shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the protective ear covering 7 can also include a secondary attachment member, in the form of a flap portion 16, which can be provided on a side of the protective membrane 10 opposite the elasticized opening 13. The flap portion 16 can extend generally over the ear canal and tragus 3. An adhesive, preferably non irritating to the skin, can be provided on the underside of the flap 16 to further seal the protective ear covering 7 against the skin in front of the tragus 3 to provide increased protection against any fluids gaining access into the ear canal.

[0022] As shown best in FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be preferred that the protective membrane 10 be sized to provide a gap 19, about a quarter of an inch, for example, between the protective membrane 10 and the skin of the ear 1. This gap 19 can provide improved protection for the ear 1 in case a hot object, such as a curling iron, should come in contact with the protective membrane 10. If the protective membrane 10 were positioned directly against the ear 1, the heat could be transferred relatively rapidly through the protective membrane to the ear 1. However, this would, of course, depend mainly upon the temperature of the curling iron and the type of material the protective membrane 10 is formed from.

[0023] As shown best in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the elasticized opening 13 in the protective membrane 10 can completely encircle the ear 1 near the base of the ear 1 where it attaches to the head. The elasticized opening 13 can not only prevent the protective cover 7 from being inadvertently removed or falling off, but can also provide some amount of protection against water and foreign particles entering into the ear canal. The prior art protective ear covers all rely entirely on an adhesive connection to seal at least the front portion of the ear cover against the skin to prevent liquids from getting into the ear canal and to help retain the ear cover on the ear 1. In contrast, the elasticized opening 13 is more resistant to accidental movement and can even tolerate a small amount of purposeful re-adjustment of the protective cover 7 without substantially impairing its effectiveness. Moreover, make-up, natural body oils, moisture and dirt can all interfere with the ability of an adhesive to adhere to the skin. Consequently, protective ear covers which rely on adhesives alone can be rendered ineffective if the adhesive loses the ability to adhere to the skin because of such interference. And, if the adhesion is lost, there is no alternative but to replace the ear cover. Moreover, if not detected in advance, the ear cover will be unable to keep fluids out of the ear canal.

[0024] As a result, unlike prior art ear covers, the elasticized opening 13 of the protective ear cover 7 is the primary retaining and sealing member around the entire ear 1, whereas the flap portion 16 can simply be used with the elasticized opening 13 in a complimentary fashion to provide an improved seal against the front side of the ear near the tragus 3 where fluid is most likely to get into the ear canal. Accordingly, the protective ear cover 10 does not rely upon an adhesive for entirely securing and sealing any portion of the protective ear cover 10 against the ear 1.

[0025] The protective ear cover 10 is simple to place onto the ear 1 and can be easily adjusted and removed. It is not interfered with by a person's hair above or behind the ear 1 and also does not interfere with the wearing of glasses. The elastic member seats itself in the crease between the base of the ear 1 and the person's head, thus providing ample room for the end pieces of a pair of glasses to seat over the top of the ear 1 in a normal fashion.

[0026]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate posterior and anterior views of an embodiment of the protective ear covering 10 showing in more detail the elasticized opening 13 in the posterior side of the protective ear cover 10 and the flap portion 16 provided on the anterior side of the protective ear cover 10.

[0027] The protective ear cover 10 described above can be used by a broad spectrum of persons for a variety of applications. A primary user can be, for example, salon owners. Protective ear covers 10 used in this setting can protect patrons from being burned by curling irons or from being situated under overhead type hair dryers for a long time. The protective ear covers 10 can also protect against chemicals from perms accidental nicks and cuts while the stylist is cutting the patron's hair. Additionally, the protective ear covers 10 can generally prevent water and hair from getting into the ear canal. Besides salon owners, hospitals and nursing homes can utilize such protective ear covers as water resistant covers for the ears when washing patients' hair. For example, many persons should not get fluid in their ears because of inner ear medical problems, such as ear infections. The protective ear covers 10 can be more effective than ear plugs because the entire inner ear is covered, as opposed to just the ear canal opening. Other potential users of the protective ear cover 10 could be individuals who have sensitivities to the sun, such as persons with skin cancer problems who should avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays.

[0028] The protective ear covers 10 can be made from different materials, generally depending on the application. For example, if the protective ear covers 10 are going to be used when the hair is being washed, primarily to keep out water, the material can be plastic. Alternatively, if the protective ear covers 10 are going to be used to protect from heat, such as when a hair dryer is being used, the material can be paper. Additionally, whatever material is used, the protective ear covers 10 can be constructed from material which is generally permeable to sound, such that the hearing of the person wearing them is not substantially impaired while they are being worn over the ears.

[0029] Although certain embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications to those details could be developed in light of the overall teaching of the disclosure and the particular embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting to the scope of the invention, which should be awarded the full breadth of the following claims and any and all embodiments thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An ear covering comprising: a. an enclosure formed generally in the shape of a human ear and having an opening by which said enclosure may be inserted over the ear; b. a portion of said enclosure lying adjacent the tragus of the ear having an adhesive thereon for adhering said portion to the tragus of the ear such that an enhanced fluid seal is provided between said enclosure and the tragus; and c. said opening entirely elasticized to retain said enclosure over the ear and to generally keep foreign materials and fluid out of the ear canal even if said portion having an adhesive thereon loses the ability to adhere to the tragus.
 2. The ear covering of claim 1 wherein said portion of said enclosure lying adjacent the tragus of the ear further comprises a flap covering the ear canal and the tragus.
 3. The ear covering of claim 1 further comprising said enclosure formed larger than the ear which is to be covered by said enclosure in order to provide insulating space between said enclosure and the ear when said enclosure is inserted over the ear.
 4. The ear covering of claim 1 further comprising said enclosure is formed of a material generally permeable to sound such that the enclosure does not substantially impair hearing of a person wearing said enclosure.
 5. A method of protecting an ear comprising: a. enclosing an ear within a membrane having an opening therein by which the membrane is inserted over the ear; b. providing an adhesive on a portion of said membrane adjacent the tragus of the ear such that said portion of said membrane adheres to the tragus to provide an enhanced seal against fluids and foreign particles entering into the ear canal; and c. entirely elasticizing said opening to generally retain said membrane over the ear and to keep foreign materials and fluids out of the ear canal even if said portion of said membrane loses the ability to adhere to the tragus.
 6. The method of claim 4 further comprising forming said membrane larger than the ear which is to be enclosed within said membrane to provide insulating space between said membrane and the ear when the ear is enclosed within said membrane.
 7. The method of claim 4 further comprising forming said membrane from a material generally permeable to sound. 